LThe Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has launched an investigation into the fire that destroyed several makeshift residential structures in the Abule Oja area of Yaba, Lagos.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident, attributing the outcome to the rapid response of emergency personnel.
According to him, the fire broke out at 9/10 Abudu Street, Abule Oja, along UNILAG Road, prompting the immediate deployment of emergency responders after a distress call was received.
The response involved personnel from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Federal Fire Service, UNILAG Fire Service, Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, the Nigeria Police Force, and operatives from LASEMA’s Alpha Cobra Base.
Oke-Osanyintolu said the coordinated operation prevented the blaze from spreading beyond the affected area despite the highly flammable nature of the structures involved.
“The fire affected a cluster of residential makeshift structures. Due to the proximity of the buildings and the combustible materials within, the flames spread rapidly on arrival of responders,” the agency stated.
He also disclosed that emergency responders were able to protect a nearby two-storey building from being consumed by the fire while ensuring there were no fatalities.
“Through the diligence and courage of our emergency personnel, the adjoining two-storey building was successfully salvaged and, most importantly, no loss of life was recorded,” the statement added.
Following the successful containment of the fire, responders carried out damping-down operations to eliminate lingering hotspots and reduce the risk of another outbreak. The affected area has also been secured to safeguard residents and prevent further danger.
The Permanent Secretary noted that officials are currently assessing the extent of the damage, while relevant government agencies have been mobilised to provide relief materials and humanitarian support to residents affected by the incident.
He added that the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, stating that the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has begun an investigation in collaboration with other relevant agencies.
Oke-Osanyintolu commended the various emergency teams for their swift response and professionalism during the operation. He also appreciated residents for cooperating with responders throughout the rescue efforts.
He further advised members of the public to adhere to fire safety measures by avoiding substandard electrical wiring, preventing the overloading of electrical sockets, and equipping homes and business premises with essential firefighting tools such as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.
The latest incident comes weeks after two firefighters were hospitalised on July 19 after collapsing while battling a fire that engulfed the top floor of a three-storey residential building in the Ketu-Ikosi area of Lagos State.
LASEMA spokesperson, Olawale Afolabi, had said the earlier fire affected one of a pair of twin three-storey residential buildings located at No. 11, Ademola Taiwo Street, Ketu-Ikosi, and was caused by an electrical surge from a prepaid meter.
